4WD Driving Techniques

4WD Tips

Before you go on your trip know your 4WD and the operation of free wheeling hubs, transfer box levers, etc.

IN THE BUSH

If you’re unsure of the ground ahead, especially if there’s mud or water, get out and check it

Keep thumbs outside the steering wheel

Don’t change gear in the middle of a tricky section

If in doubt always choose the lower gear

Tyre pressures play an important part in off-road driving. Lowering tyre pressures helps in getting through. 140-180 kpa (20-26 psi) is a good tyre pressure for bush tracks.

Low tyre pressure = lower speed

Cross small ridges ‘square on’

Cross ditches at a slight angle

Straddle ruts, however on slippery downhill sections, it’s best to drop into them if they’re not too deep. On uphill sections, stay out of them if possible. On deep rutted sections you may need to do some road building.

If you begin to lose traction going uphill, or along a rutted track, or in mud, turn the steering wheel from side to side. This may help you keep moving. Take care you don’t career off to the right or left though!

ON STEEP HILLS

Low second or third gear is generally best for going uphill

Low first gear is best for steep downhill

Don’t touch the clutch

Use the footbrake sparingly and with caution

Avoid turning the vehicle sideways on a hill

Allow any vehicle in front plenty of room

If the vehicle begins to slide sideways, very slight acceleration and steering into the slide will normally straighten your descent

If you stall going uphill, don’t touch the clutch or accelerator. See the stall start technique for what to do.

Winching is the safest way to tackle steep slopes, when all else fails.

SAND DRIVING

Speed and flotation are the keys to success. High ratio is best, if possible.

Lower the tyre pressure to 140kpa or 20psi. You may need to go lower (lower tyre pressure = lower speed). Remember to reinflate your tyres as soon as you’re back on hard ground.

Avoid sudden changes in direction or acceleration. Coast to a stop if at all possible.

Tackle dunes head on.

Avoid braking at all costs when descending a dune, Keep the nose of the vehicle pointing downhill. Don’t go fast, but not so slow that the wheels stop rolling, or the vehicle begins to slide sideways. A touch on the throttle will keep the wheels moving and the vehicle pointing in the right direction.

If you get stuck, try and rock the vehicle backwards or forwards, building up a small stretch of hardpack sand that you can accelerate off from. Don’t spin the wheels!

Water depths of up to 30cm can be handled fairly easily, but will depend on the type of bottom and the current flow. Soft sand and/or a strong current can make even a shallow crossing a problem. A snorkel for deeper water may be required.

Spray electrical components with WD40 before entering the water.

Loosen the fan belt unless it has an auto clutch (auto clutch will still spin at higher RPM). A spinning fan can spray water onto the electrics.

In deeper water (over 30cm) remove fan belt and fit blind to help create a bow wave.